Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin 'Benhur' Abalos Jr. announced a unique collaboration between the government and the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) in the fight against illegal drugs.
As part of the DILG's 'Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan' (BIDA) program, the partnership aims to leverage the massive influence of basketball on Filipino youth to communicate the dangers of illegal drugs and promote sports as a deterrent.
"The partnership of DILG and PBA will not only strengthen the campaign against illegal drugs but will also send out a message to the PBA teams, players, and fans, that the league is against and will not tolerate the adverse effects of illegal drugs," Abalos said during the press conference of PBA Governors' Cup championship Game 4.
"With this partnership, we expect to promote and advocate for sports as an effective solution to prevent the youth from subscribing to illegal drugs," he added.
The PBA, for the first time since its inception, will join hands with the government in this campaign.
As per the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed between the DILG and the PBA, PBA players will undergo increased drug testing following the law and will wear the BIDA program logo on their jerseys during games while spreading campaign materials.
The collaboration is also expected to pave the way for the BIDA Workplace, a congregation of private companies with independent drug policies.
Secretary Abalos commended the PBA for their efforts in maintaining a drug-free working environment and expressed gratitude for their support in this national endeavor.
"I would like to commend the efforts of the PBA in their intervention and preventive initiatives. Rest assured that with this collaboration, we will be able to take our advocacy to new heights," he said.
